Cannot connect with WiFi Do I need a booster?

[DinahMoeHum]

or an adapter?

This is for a laptop, whcih I am replacing in several months (Windows 10 issue)

The house I am operating the laptop in does not contain devices (no computers, smartphones, etc)

I have several wireless networks showing, but cannot connect with any of them

Awaiting device, thanks.

[Jim__]

1. Why can't you connect to the networks that are showing? Do they require a password?

Do you get an error message?

[DinahMoeHum]

4. Some require a security key. . .

others simply say: "cannot connect"

[Wonder Why]

2. It could be that you cannot make a good connection to them because their signal is too weak.

Are they outside the building you are in? Can you connect to them if you are outside?

[usonian]

3. If your computer can "see" the wifi, it's authentication/password. If it can't, then a mesh router, or extender might do

If you can connect to the wifi with an ethernet cable (laptops should have a jack) that rules out radio waves, and you are in the password world.

There are lots of network settings. Hopefully, yours are not messed up.

Should be something like turn on wireless connectivity, "connect via DHCP" ... more

If you can run windows 10, you probably have a fairly modern wireless chip inside the laptop.

Laptops, like phones, have an airplane mode. Just make sure it's not activated in your network settings.

Hope this helps.

[DinahMoeHum]

6. See my reply below. . .

Yes, the computer can "see" the WiFi, so maybe it's authentication/password

Would a wireless adapter help here?

Where does the other half of the ethernet cable go? It's not like I have a portable router or anything.

Appreciate further feedback.

[usonian]

7. Most wifi boxes (routers) have an ethernet jack (LAN) as do laptops (YMMV)

Wireless settings can ba tricky and are different for various devices. Best to get help with that.

Configure IP
Configure DNS
Wireless password
Other stuff

It used to be very tricky to set up. I use Apple stuff, which has made all this almost automatic, but I do remember nuisances getting various laptops (mac, windows, linux) to connect in the past.

With ethernet, just pick DHCP and stuff works easily.

Make sure your wireless box is set to serve DHCP protocol in its admin panel. It is the default but stuff gets messed up at times.

Good luck.

[DinahMoeHum]

8. OK, something else to consider?

The house I go to does not have computers of any kind, much less accessories, including any router.

Maybe I need a portable travel router? Something I can take with me along with the laptop?

Awaiting further feedback, thanks.

[usonian]

9. The more info the better.

You are picking up a "house" wi-fi.

How you connect to it depends on that box's details. See if someone who can connect knows anything about it.

You can get its name from your network panel. But passwords and band info are unique to that box, unless it's set up not to use a password to connect.

See what you can find.

[DinahMoeHum]

5. Further info on my situation. . .

I have a WiFi/wireless connectivity issue. seems there is a problem with wireless adapter or access point. Maybe I need to reset a wireless network adapter or get a new one?

OR

A network cable is not properly plugged in or may be broken.

The above info is what I got when I did troubleshooting.

Any further advice/info would be most welcome.